How Do We Interpret the Strange Bible Verse 'This Generation Shall Not Pass'?
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Scripture contains cryptic statements, and apocalyptic phrases from the Old and New Testaments are prime examples. “This generation shall not pass” is a mysterious one.
The Bible measures time by generations—a common attribute before the modern clock was invented. Cultures before the modern timekeeping system had to refer to events relationally. It happened during the reign of this king, etc.
Second, the family is central to God’s plan of redemption. Even before the Fall, the Lord gave Adam and Eve a purpose: have children and bring the world under dominion. Add in covenants to Abraham and David, and genealogies and generations were a high priority.
Therefore, Jesus’ use of the statement “this generation shall not pass” is consistent with biblical themes. But what does he mean specifically when he uses this phrase?
Where Is the Verse “This Generation Shall Not Pass” Located in the Bible?
The phrase “this generation shall not pass” is found in the Gospel of Matthew. This statement is part of Jesus’ teaching on the Mount of Olives, often called the Olivet Discourse. The Olivet Discourse encompasses Jesus’ teachings about the end times, including prophecies and warnings about future events.
The specific passage containing the phrase is Matthew 24:34.
“Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”
In context, Jesus responds to His disciples’ questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. The entire discourse is recorded in Matthew 24-25. Parallel passages appear in Mark 13 and Luke 21. These passages cover multiple topics related to eschatology (the study of end times).
In Matthew 24:1-33, Jesus foretells various signs that will precede His return, and He provides these signs as warnings to His followers, indicating that these events are not the end but the beginning of birth pains.
Then, in verse 34, Jesus makes the statement about “this generation.”
The subsequent verses in Matthew 24 describe uncertainty about the exact timing of Christ’s return. They emphasize the need for vigilance and readiness:
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36)
This declaration underscores the mystery of when eschatological events will arrive.
Since the timing is mysterious, interpreting end times prophecies requires careful consideration. We need to consider:
- The historical and cultural context.
- The literary genre in which the book of the Bible was written.
- The Bible’s broader teachings.
Different Christian traditions may offer varying interpretations of these verses. Still, they commonly affirm the importance of readiness, faithfulness, and anticipating Christ’s eventual return, as emphasized by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse.
What Does Jesus Say Will Happen Before the Generation Passes?
The preceding verses in Matthew 24 outline various signs and events that will herald the culmination of the age.
First, Jesus warns about false messiahs who will come and deceive many, claiming to be Christ. This was likely common in Jesus’ time: due to Daniel’s prophecies, the Jewish culture expected some Messianic person. Various people claimed to be Messiahs (as Gamaliel alludes to in Acts 5:34-39).
Next, he speaks of wars and rumors of wars but says that they won’t be the end. These things are “birth pains.” Alongside wars, Jesus mentions famines and earthquakes. Now, there are always wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes, so what makes these events special? The use of the term “birth pains” implies a growing intensity and a shorter amount of time between these violent events.
After these worldwide chaotic signs, Jesus predicts his followers will face persecution, hatred, and even death for their faith. The prophet Daniel makes a specific appearance here, as Jesus refers to the “abomination that causes desolation” from Daniel 11 as a sign that the end is near. This likely refers to a sacrilegious event involving a holy place’s desecration.
Jesus’ mention of the “abomination” would have likely surprised the disciples since many Jews believed it had already occurred in 167 BC when Antiochus IV sacrificed a pig on the altar in the temple while worshipping Zeus. Many theologians still refer to this event as the fulfillment of Daniel 11’s mention of the “abomination of desolation.” For Christ to include it here implies that it hadn’t happened yet or will happen again in a greater way.
Jesus then mentions a time of unparalleled distress and tribulation, which will be cut short for the sake of the elect. Many Christians give this a proper name: the tribulation. Jesus reiterates the warning about false messiahs and false prophets who will perform great signs and wonders to deceive people. Creation will shake—Jesus describes celestial signs, such as the darkening of the sun and moon and the falling of the stars.
Finally, Jesus returns and foretells his coming with power and glory, accompanied by the gathering of his elect.
At this point, Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.”
What Might Jesus Have Meant When He Said ‘This Generation Shall Not Pass’?
When Jesus uttered the enigmatic phrase, He sparked many interpretations and discussions among biblical scholars and theologians. The statement’s complexity lies in how ambiguous the term “generation” can be and how complex these prophesied events are.
One interpretation suggests that Jesus referred to the generation of His disciples who were at the Mount of Olives when He delivered the Olivet Discourse. According to this view, Jesus predicted these significant events, including the temple’s destruction, would occur within the lifetime of those listening to Him. Generations, according to the Bible, are generally 40 years. In 70 AD, the Roman armies, under Titus, indeed besieged and destroyed the Jerusalem temple, aligning with some elements of Jesus’ prophecies since we approximate he was crucified around 33 AD.
Yet, much of what Jesus spoke of didn’t happen before 70 AD. He includes “all these things” in his statement. What about signs in the sky and worldwide tribulation?
Some scholars propose a symbolic or spiritual understanding of “generation.” In this view, Jesus may have referred to a broader era or age (like the generation of the church age) rather than a specific group of people. The term could represent the entire period leading up to the culmination of the age, encompassing various generations throughout history. This interpretation allows for a more extended timeframe to fulfill the prophecies.
Jesus’ use of “this generation” may have emphasized the events’ imminence and urgency. He foretold. The term could serve as a literary device to convey that the predicted signs and the end of the age were on the brink of unfolding, urging His listeners to remain vigilant and prepared.
Another perspective suggests a dual fulfillment of the prophecy. While certain aspects of the Olivet Discourse may have found fulfillment in the events surrounding the temple’s destruction in 70 AD, other elements may await future realization. This view acknowledges a tension between the immediate context and the broader eschatological framework in Jesus’ teachings.
Finally, some interpretations propose that “this generation” could refer to Israel having a spiritual rebirth or transformation—since he was speaking specifically to Jews in the discourse. In this understanding, the phrase indicates that a spiritual revival or restoration would occur within a particular period despite external circumstances or historical events.
What Can We Learn from Matthew 24:34 Today?
Jesus’ enigmatic statement “this generation shall not pass away” still resonates with readers today. It offers timeless lessons that transcend the Olivet Discourse’s historical context. As we reflect on these words today, several insights emerge.
- Urgency and Imminence in Faith. The phrase underscores the urgency and imminence that should characterize the faith of believers. Whether Jesus comes back next week or in a century, every Christian will meet him soon upon their death. The Christian journey is not a passive endeavor but one marked by active anticipation of fulfilling God’s promises. We’re encouraged to live with a sense of urgency in our faith due to the imminent nature of God’s plan.
- Readiness and Preparedness. Part of the teaching includes our inability to know the specific day or time of his return. Christians must be vigilant and prepared for the challenges, tribulations, and uncertainties that may arise. Jesus’ teachings encourage us to cultivate a lifestyle of spiritual readiness characterized by prayer, devotion, and a commitment to living according to God’s Word.
- Interconnectedness of Generations. If we include a broader view of the term “generation,” we are all singularly connected back to Jesus and also to a spiritual lineage throughout Christian history. All believers should understand the interconnectedness of generations within the body of Christ. This awareness prompts a sense of responsibility to pass on the faith, uphold biblical principles, and contribute to the spiritual growth of subsequent generations while primarily focusing on Christ.
- Dual Focus on Present and Future. We are called to engage actively in the present, participating in the work of God in our time while understanding our actions here and now have eternal impact. Jesus tells us these signs, and the apostles recorded them for us to maintain a forward-looking and hopeful perspective, anticipating the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises and Christ’s return. This dual focus encourages a balanced Christian life that neither neglects present responsibilities nor loses sight of eternal hope.
- The Mystery of God’s Timing. Jesus’ statement highlights the mystery of God’s timing. These events’ unknown day and hour remind Christians that God’s timetable is not always fully comprehensible. Yet we can always trust him. This understanding cultivates humility, dependence on God, and trust in His perfect timing, even when faced with future unknowns.
The phrase “this generation shall not pass away” invites us to live with urgency, readiness, and faithfulness. While shrouded in a certain level of mystery, Christ’s return is sure. It reminds us to live with hope, obeying God today in light of his amazing redemptive plan.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/BrianAJackson
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